Hyundai bulker with AI engineer moves closer to autonomous shipping

The vessel is a 180,000 dwt-LNG-powered bulk carrier delivered to H-Line.

The engine automation system, developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, comprises an Integrated Condition Diagnosis Solution (HiCBM) and Integrated Safety Control Solution (HiCAMS). The systems work together to diagnose the condition of engine equipment in real-time and automatically recognise emergencies, such a fire.

HiCBM uses AI to monitor and manage core ship equipment, such as main engines and power generation, compressors, and pumps in real-time. HiCAMS uses AI to detect and analyse safety-related events in real time using onboard CCTV.

Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries said the two systems can be applied to newbuilds and ships currently in operation.

The safety and reliability of the two systems were verified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) during the trial period last September of last year.

“With the commercialisation of this engine automation solution, we are one step closer to the era of the world’s first ‘unmanned ship’ in the field of large merchant ships that can operate for a long time without the help of a navigator, engineer, or deckhand,” Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries said in a statement.

“The advent of the era of autonomous ships based on artificial intelligence and digital technology is inevitable,” commented HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Executive Director Kwon Byeong-hun.

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